Did you know the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) collects, analyzes, and publishes data on health conditions that may be related to environmental exposures experienced during deployment? The Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry is a secure database of health information voluntarily provided by service members and veterans, and is instrumental in enabling VA to improve care and services for veterans. The registry consists of an online questionnaire followed by an optional, but recommended, medical evaluation. The questionnaire helps you document your deployments and exposures to airborne hazards (which include sand, dust, smoke from oil well fires, and more—not just burn pits) to create a snapshot of your health. Upon completing the questionnaire, you are encouraged to discuss your exposure history and health with a provider in a free, optional medical evaluation. Participants also receive information from VA about registry updates and ongoing health studies. Service members and veterans who were deployed in the Southwest Asia theater of operations on or after August 2, 1990, or who were stationed in Afghanistan or Djibouti on or after September 11, 2001, are eligible to sign up for the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry. These regions include the following countries, bodies of water, and airspace above these locations: • Afghanistan • Bahrain • Djibouti • Gulf of Aden • Gulf of Oman • Iraq • Kuwait • Oman • Qatar • Saudi Arabia • United Arab Emirates • Waters of the Arabian Sea, Persian Gulf, and Red Sea If you meet these eligibility criteria, please consider joining the registry to document your exposure and health information and support the health of other service members and veterans.
Need more information? Check out Health.mil/AHBurnPitRegistry for a brief informational video, frequently asked questions, and other helpful materials. Please note that the registry is completely voluntary. You do not need to be enrolled in VA health care to participate, and the registry does not affect access to VA health care or compensation benefits.
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